/Insurance Appraiser/ Interview Questions
SENIOR LEVEL

Tell me about a time when you had to make a judgment call in determining the validity of a claim.

Insurance Appraiser Interview Questions
Tell me about a time when you had to make a judgment call in determining the validity of a claim.

Sample answer to the question

In my previous role as an insurance appraiser, I encountered a situation where a claimant filed for compensation for extensive property damage caused by a fire. Upon reviewing the claim, I noticed some inconsistencies in the provided documentation and photographs. To ensure the validity of the claim, I conducted a thorough investigation. I reached out to witnesses, interviewed the claimant, and visited the property myself. It became clear that the claimant had exaggerated the extent of the damage in an attempt to receive a higher settlement amount. I documented my findings in a detailed report and recommended a fair and accurate compensation amount based on the actual damage. This experience taught me the importance of meticulous investigation and critical thinking in making judgment calls to determine the validity of claims.

A more solid answer

In my previous role as a senior insurance appraiser, I encountered a claim where a policyholder reported significant water damage to their property. As I reviewed the claim documentation, I noticed some inconsistencies in the timeline and the severity of the damage. To ensure the accuracy of my judgment, I conducted a thorough investigation. I visited the property to assess the damage firsthand, interviewed the policyholder for additional information, and reviewed relevant documentation, such as repair invoices. During the inspection, I noticed that the reported water damage was localized to a specific area, rather than widespread as claimed. This raised doubts about the validity of the claim. To resolve the issue, I consulted with a water damage restoration specialist to gather expert opinion. Based on the evidence, I determined that the claim was exaggerated and recommended a revised settlement amount that accurately reflected the actual damage. This experience highlighted the importance of meticulous attention to detail, critical thinking, and effective communication in making accurate judgments regarding claim validity.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer provides more specific details about the actions taken by the candidate and the impact of their judgment call. It highlights their attention to detail, critical thinking, and effective communication skills. However, it could be further improved by including the candidate's role in mentoring and providing guidance to junior appraisers.

An exceptional answer

In my previous role as a senior insurance appraiser, I faced a challenging claim involving a property that had been severely damaged by a natural disaster. The claimant submitted extensive documentation and evidence to support their claim for a significant settlement amount. However, upon careful examination of the evidence, I noticed some inconsistencies. To evaluate the validity of the claim, I scheduled an on-site visit to inspect the property. During the inspection, I utilized my expertise and appraisal software to assess the extent of the damage and compare it to the claimant's documentation. I also interviewed witnesses and gathered additional information from local authorities. Through this comprehensive investigation, it became apparent that the claimant had included pre-existing damage in their claim, inflating the total settlement amount. To ensure an accurate assessment, I collaborated with legal teams, providing expert opinions and supporting evidence during the subsequent litigation process. As a result of my meticulous examination and judgment, we were able to reach a fair settlement amount that considered both the valid and exaggerated components of the claim. This experience showcased my outstanding analytical skills, attention to detail, and ability to effectively communicate complex findings to stakeholders.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer provides a comprehensive and detailed account of the candidate's experience in dealing with a complex claim. It showcases their exceptional analytical skills, attention to detail, and ability to collaborate with legal teams. The candidate's role in mentoring and providing guidance to junior appraisers could still be emphasized.

How to prepare for this question

  • Familiarize yourself with insurance laws, regulations, and policies to understand the guidelines for claim assessments.
  • Develop strong analytical and critical thinking skills to effectively evaluate claim validity.
  • Practice attention to detail in reviewing claim documentation and identifying inconsistencies.
  • Enhance your communication abilities to effectively gather information from claimants, witnesses, and other relevant parties.
  • Stay updated with current market trends and property valuations to accurately assess claim settlements.

What interviewers are evaluating

  • Analytical and critical thinking skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Written and verbal communication abilities

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